Hello readers and friends,
Just wanted to share with you news of my blog moving to it’s new home–She Knows Yoga! (and meditation and Pilates, etc..)
Beginning Monday, December 1, you’ll be able to find me at She Knows Yoga.  It’s been wonderful these past few months getting to know all of you, sharing ideas and information. 
The topics at She Knows Yoga will follow much of what you have been reading on Grounded Fitness.  But, as always, I’ll be making room and opening up dialogues on many topics realted to what I call the “lifestyle.”  I’m really excited about it, and so looking forward to …read more

Hard for me to believe that the holidays are already here. For northeast Ohio, the weather is a bit off.  No snow, no snow drifts (at least on the west side of the river), just wet pavement coated with a light sprinkling of rain.  I’m sure that’s bound to change very soon.  The only thing that can be guaranteed at this point are the grey days that dominate this time of year. But even the grey clouds make a nice backdrop for the holiday lights and candles I see lighting many windows and porches.
Still have lots to do to prepare …read more

Yes, yoga has taught me yet another lesson. You don’t need to spend a lot of money or be a conspicuous consumer to be happy or have nice, meaningful things or a beautiful existence.
One of the key lessons of yoga is that it teaches you to appreciate the simpler things in life. To be present. To be in the moment. This practice alone has not only helped to quiet my mind, in recent months it has also saved me a lot of money.
In fact, my shopping habits have changed significantly. I buy less processed, ready-to-serve foods and eat more healthfully …read more

Just sitting here on this cold and snowy Friday in northeast Ohio, making Thanksgiving and holiday plans, and thinking about the blessings in my life.
While I can always think of something to be cautious or worry about (sorry, healthy skeptic in recovery here), I have to say, my practices–both yoga and meditation–have not only changed my life, they’ve made my thoughts healthier, too.
There are so many areas of my life where I can see change and positive energy, that in the past I had either overlooked or not even considered.  My practices have spurred me to take self-care more seriously, made me more …read more

Got a headache?  I do tonight.  Here’s what I am going to go do right after I log off.  It has really helped me in the past, hope it works wonders again tonight.
It’s called the Supported Headstand, or Salamba Sirsasana.  And it goes like this:
-Put a pad or your mat on the floor, and kneel down
- Clasp your hands, intertwining your fingers. Set your forearms on the floor
-Roll your upper arms slightly outward, while pressing the insides of your wrists firmly into the floor
-Position the crown of your head on the floor.  Gently push your hands together, and cup the back of your head with …read more

I do everything I can to watch what I eat.  Sometimes, too much.  Already a vegetarian.  Thinking about going vegan.  But first, I think I might go to a “sub-class” of vegetarian nutrition–the raw food vegetarian.
It makes sense. Raw vegetables, fruits and greens are the healthiest things you can put into your body.   But there are people out there who are eating what I call “raw beyond the pale”–consuming raw eggs, raw dairy products, and yes, raw meats.  Organ meats in particular. 
I can do the raw fruits and vegetables.  Nuts, legumes, etc., too.  But a raw kidney snack?  Come on.  I mean, come on.  …read more

The healing ways of Ayurveda are so plentiful, they can even make getting up in the morning a pleasure.
Try some of these rituals for a lovely, relaxing way to start your day tomorrow. Give them a try and see for yourself. You might even want to make them a part of your daily routine.
As part of its approach, Ayurveda emphasizes the importance of developing morning rituals that help balance your body with nature, and work your doshas. It’s true-building just one of these practices into your daily routine can change the way you experience your day.
-Get up before the sun …read more

The benefits of yoga are fairly simple to calculate and see.  You become more flexible.  You feel stronger.  You have improved balance and coordination. You breathe easier.
Because we are employing our minds to do all of the work, sometimes the benefits are not immediately noticeable.  The benefits are extraordinary, however.  A stronger sense of peace.  An improved sense of ourselves and our impact.  And utimately, a fuller awareness of ourselves, others and the world around us. Increasing our awareness–our ability to exist in the here and now–is probably the most important aspect of meditation.  At least in my view. 
The simple fact that meditation …read more

Ugh, I am really feeling this post.  With all of the stresses and obligations we each have, there is just no way around it–we are all plagued by “busyness.” children, school, work, friends, volunteering in our communities.  Everyone I know is just plain old tapped out.
It hit home for me this weekend.  On Friday night–yes, Friday–I sat and pondered everything I am responsible for, owe people (favors and work), committed to and can’t set aside.  It just got to be too much.  At one point I was lying in bed and my legs were vibrating, for lack of a better description.  Eventually …read more

It’s harvest time in many parts of the world.  Today, Canada gave thanks for it’s blessings. For me, harvest is a time to think about how I’ve “grown” during the year, and how I hope to grow even more.  And when I make a list of what I’d like to work on, my yoga and meditation practices almost always top, or hover near the top of the list. 
There are countless reasons to get involved with yoga and meditation.  More than I can list here.  
But the single best reason to get involved in a well-rounded practice that encompasses both yoga and meditation is the sense …read more